Dunedin singer first Kiwi to make US Cabaret

Jason Henderson is the first kiwi to be accepted to the St Louis Cabaret Conference. Photo: supplied

Dunedin-based singer Jason Henderson is the first New Zealander to be accepted to attend the St Louis Cabaret Conference.

St. Louis Cabaret Conference artistic director Tim Schall said the conference was the largest training program of its kind in the US.

"We are very excited to welcome Jason Henderson as the first New Zealander accepted to attend our program!” he said.

Dunedin singer Jason Henderson. Photo: supplied

The seven-day programme, which runs 17-23 July, features performance coaching from some of America’s best vocal coaches, music directors and performing artists.

FOX-TV series American Idol 's vocal and performace coach Peisha McPhee and Associate Musical Director, pianist and arranger Michael Orland are two members of the teaching faculty.

Henderson said he was looking forward to meeting and working with the team.

“All of the faculty are amazing - their performance credits are eye-watering," the singer said.

"I’m particularly looking forward to working with Jeff Harnar who’s Carnegie Hall appearances include both the Cole Porter and NoelCoward Centennial Galas.”

“I also can’t wait to meet Tony-Award-winner Faith Prince and living-legend Marilyn Maye - Ella Fitzgerald called her one of the greatestsingers she knew - what an accolade!”

Nominated Most Promising Emerging Artist at the 2016 New Zealand Fringe Festival, Henderson is most recently known to Dunedin audiences for his show Coward in the Office at Arts Festival Dunedin in October 2016, when he teamed up with Terence Dennis to transfer Noël Coward’s classicsongs into the fluorescent glare of the 21st-century office.

He also performed There’s Nothing on TV in the 2016 Dunedin Fringe Festival.

The University of Otago Master of Music graduate, who has lived in Dunedin following his study, plans to relocate to New York City, the home of Cabaret, following his time in St Louis.

Dunedin audiences have one last chance to see Jason perform before he leaves.

New York: Jason Henderson Farewell Concert is at the Playhouse Theatre for two concerts June 15, 7pm and 8.30pm. Booking strongly advised. For tickets, email tickets@jasonhenderson.nz